The moment running back Jeremy Hill was selected in the second round of this year's draft, the writing appeared to be on the wall for veteran BenJarvus Green-Ellis. That was confirmed Friday when the team opted to release him.

"It's very difficult to release such a fine player and person as BenJarvus," Marvin Lewis said. "He has been an exceptional player and teammate, as well as mentor to our younger players. He has also been a standout person in the community. We thank Bennie for all he has done and wish him the best of luck in the future."

Green-Ellis, 29, was in the final season of a three-year free agent contract. He was set to make $2.3 million this season with a total cap hit of $3 million but after the Bengals take on $500K of dead money the move saves $2.5 million against the cap.

Last season, Green-Ellis averaged just 3.4 yards per carry, the lowest number of his career. Always respected inside the locker room Green-Ellis was kept around in case of injury this preseason but when Rex Burkhead's knee injury turned out to not be serious enough to warrant a trip to the injured reserve list Green-Ellis was the odd man out.

The four running backs on the Bengals roster represent the youth movement of Giovani Bernard (22 years old), Jeremy Hill (21), Cedric Peerman (27) and Burkhead (24). Ryan Hewitt, 23, is expected to make the team as the starting H-back.

Green-Ellis began his career with the New England Patriots playing in 53 games with 20 while rushing for 2,064 yards on 510 carries. In Cincinnati, he started all of the 31 games he played in and averaged 3.7 yards per carry with 13 touchdowns. He also caught 26 passes for 126 yards with the Bengals.